Heydon announces decision on future as trade union royal commissioner

Former High Court judge and trade union royal commissioner Dyson Heydon will not disqualify himself from the commission.

“In my opinion, the applications must be dismissed,” Heydon announced.

His reasons will be published shortly.

The announcement comes after Heydon postponed announcing his decision twice, originally planned for Tuesday August 25.

Two weeks ago, the Australian Council of Trade Unions applied for Heydon to disqualify himself from the head of the royal commission into trade unions, after he controversially withdrew from making the Garfield Barwick address when it was revealed to be a Liberal Party fundraiser.  Heydon maintained that he had overlooked the party connection to the event.